San Diego, California – An inmate who escaped from custody in Central California last year is now a fugitive wanted for the murder of a Mexican police commander during a shootout in Tijuana, authorities confirmed.
Cesar Hernandez, who had been serving a sentence for first-degree murder, killed Abigail Esparza Reyes, a member of a specialized Mexican police unit responsible for tracking foreign fugitives. Reyes was part of a team dedicated to locating individuals who flee across the U.S.-Mexico border to evade law enforcement, often referred to as “gringo hunters.”
The incident occurred on Wednesday when Reyes attempted to arrest Hernandez, who had been on the run since escaping custody in December 2024. Hernandez, 35, fled after a court appearance in Delano, California. Authorities said he evaded custody, jumping out of a transport van before disappearing. Hernandez had been serving a sentence for multiple crimes, including a 25-year sentence for first-degree murder, which was extended due to prior offenses. Before his escape, he had been incarcerated at the Kern Valley State Prison in Delano.
Reyes’ death was confirmed by Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar, who paid tribute to the fallen officer on social media. “To the family and loved ones of Agent Abigail, we recognize their courage and dedication to the service of their state,” she wrote. “Abigail’s life will be honored and her death will not go unpunished.”
The shooting occurred two days after Hernandez’s 35th birthday. Surveillance footage following the incident shows a man, identified as Hernandez, changing into bright yellow work clothes, possibly attempting to blend in with local workers.
Reyes, who had gained national recognition for her work in capturing fugitives in Mexico, had appeared in a 2024 “Nightline x Impact” episode detailing the work of “gringo hunters.” In that episode, Reyes led a mission to apprehend a fugitive who had fled to Tijuana.
As of now, Hernandez remains at large, and authorities continue their search for the escapee.
